Kurt Duzan

Kurt Duzan passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the age of 69.

Born in Le Sueur, Minnesota, Kurt spent much of his life in Chicago, Illinois; Morganton, North Carolina; and Bolivia, South America. If you knew Kurt, you undoubtedly knew his love for the mountains, the Grateful Dead, Carolina sports, his daughters, and dogs—any dog. He never met a stranger, and once you met him, you were not likely to forget him.

Kurt worked as an ERT at Ravenswood Hospital in Chicago but spent most of his career in social services in both Chicago and North Carolina. Helping people was what he did best. His love for South America blossomed in the late 1990s while trekking the Cordillera Huayhuash and vacationing throughout the mountains of the continent. This passion eventually led him to live out his dream—ten meaningful years in Coroico and La Paz, Bolivia.

Kurt’s final five years were spent in Conover, North Carolina, alongside his best friend, Darlene Duzan; his beloved daughters, Jennifer (Ben) Payseur and Alexis (Drew) Duzan; and his six cherished grandchildren, Eli, Wade, Lizzy, Kayden, Cassidy, and Addison. We would be remiss not to mention the grandpups he adored and spent so much time with—Gabby, Zoey (who passed in 2025), Tilley, and Rusty.

Kurt was preceded in death by his mother, Edith Duzan, and by many cherished friends over the years who were like family to him.

In honoring his wishes, no service will be held. Kurt would rather everyone enjoy fond memories, good music, and a toast to being “forever young.” He will be deeply missed and always remembered.

“Fare-thee-well nowLet your life proceed by its own designNothing to tell nowLet the words be yours, I’m done with mine”

Memorial contributions can be directed to the Humane Society of Catawba County in Kurt’s honor.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memorial Wall at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net.

The Duzan family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton. For further information, please call 828-464-1555.